Tulsi-Lakshmi

The Tulsi plant or Holy Basil plant is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. In Hinduism, people grow the Tulsi plant in their home gardens or 'aangan'.

The Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu and no worship to him is ever complete without an offering of Tulsi leaves. Women water the Tulsi plant every morning and show 'diya' or incense light to it every evening as, a daily ritual.

Another story believes the Tulsi plant is the incarnation of another form of Lakshmi - Radha. Since Radha did not marry Krishna, but symbolized unconditional love, the Tulsi plant lives outside the home. Inside the home, people believe Lord Vishnu lives with Goddess Lakshmi in their original form, as husband - wife.